James V. Caruso, 65, of Sycamore, IL, formerly of St. Charles, IL, went to heaven on December 21, 2020.

He was born on July 25, 1955 in Elmhurst, IL, to parents John D. and Josephine (Tumminaro) Caruso.

Jim was a man of God and a very active member at Christ Community Church in St. Charles, IL.  Any time friends or family asked for advice or guidance, he would always look to the word of God.  He made two mission trips through Open Door to Haiti, where he built Christian facilities for the local Haitian communities.  On one of his mission trips, he was baptized for a second time.  Jim enjoyed going to his weekly Men's Group, to visit and talk about faith, with friends that shared the same interests.

He worked at Uniphase as a maintenance and facilities manager for many years.  Being so passionate about the church, he served by joining Christ Community Church's security team.  If he was not working, he was always finding something to do or fix around the house, being the handyman, he was.  His friends that were working on projects would call upon him for help or knowledge.  If there was a friend needing a helping hand with a project or task, Jim was there in an instant with a solution.  Some of the most joy brought to his life, was just trying to be the best friend, helper, and mentor he could be.

One of the most important parts of his life, were his grandbabies.  He would try to see them every single day, even if it was just a few minutes.  His goal was to get his grandson a gas-powered ATV, before the age of 3, "so he could smell the exhaust."  They may only be babies, but they sure did know their grandpa Jim.  Even though he only had a few years to watch them grow, the impact he has had, shined through and his memory will last forever.

He had many hobbies, the one he absolutely adored was aviation.  He was so passionate and determined to get his license, he read the manual, front to back, and passed the test.  After getting his pilot's license, he bought a Cessna 152.  He felt most comfortable and "at home," while flying.  Many times, Jim had a lunch break he would park at the DuPage airport and watch planes land and takeoff.  Something many didn't know, is he had a love for cooking.  He would cook his daughter's family full Sunday dinners, every week.  Since being part of the church's security team, he always had to keep his aim on point, and went shooting whenever he could make time.  In his younger years, he had more than just a few hobbies.  Back in the day, he enjoyed snowmobiling, water skiing, scuba diving, kickboxing, fishing, riding his motorcycle, and even built a dune buggy, the list goes on, but just to name a few.

He is survived by a daughter, Nicole (Michael) Butala; two grandchildren, that meant the world to him;  two brothers, John (Terri) Caruso and Perry (Donna) Caruso; one sister, Diana (Mark) Swenson; one sister-in-law, Sharon Caruso; Albert Joseph Caruso, whom he treated as his own son; two nephews, Daniel (Christina) Caruso and Mark Swenson Jr.; three nieces, Cheryl (Troy) Zimmerman, Stephanie (Nick) Kohlhagen, and Michelle Swenson, along with many grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Joseph Caruso; and one nephew, Michael Caruso.

A walk-through visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00pm on Monday, January 4, 2021, at Christ Community Church, 37W100 Bolcum Rd, St. Charles, IL, 60175.  A small private family service will be held later, but all are welcome to watch the service livestreamed at 7:30pm on January 4, 2021.

Zoom live streaming provided by Finch Funeral Home. Starting at 7:20pm on January 4, 2021

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/ 89904124757?pwd= dC9LeHF6VXJEVGQrelEvVnhUMlMzdz 09

Meeting ID: 899 0412 4757
Passcode: 030977

Due to Covid-19, the church requires masks to be worn at all times, and to please social distance.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family, for future college funds for his grandchildren, in care of the Butala Funeral Home and Crematory, 1405 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL  60178.  (815) 895-2833.

To sign the on-line guest book, please visit www.butalafuneralhomes.com